By Suleman Chitera, Lilongwe – June 27, 2025
Former President Dr. Bakili Muluzi has strongly condemned the wave of political violence that erupted in Lilongwe yesterday, calling for an immediate end to acts that threaten Malawi’s democratic values.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS), Dr. Muluzi expressed deep concern over what he described as deliberate efforts to suppress democratic expression and peaceful protest.
“I am extremely concerned by what is happening. Democracy is built on tolerance, dialogue, and respect for differing views,” said Muluzi. “What we are witnessing now is unacceptable and must stop immediately.”
His comments come in the aftermath of chaotic scenes in the capital city, where peaceful demonstrators were attacked by unidentified thugs armed with pangas. The most disturbing aspect of the violence, according to eyewitnesses, was the passive stance taken by the Malawi Police Service (MPS) and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF), who were present but failed to intervene.
“Why were the police even there?” questioned Muluzi. “They could have just stayed in their offices. Their failure to act is a recipe for more violence if this goes unchecked.”
Among the victims of the violence was prominent human rights activist Silvester Namiwa, who was reportedly assaulted in broad daylight by panga-wielding men while police and military personnel stood by without taking any action.
Civil society organizations and the international community have since joined in condemning the violence, with calls for accountability and justice growing louder.
Muluzi, who served as Malawi’s first democratically elected president from 1994 to 2004, emphasized that political violence must never be tolerated in a democratic society.
“We struggled for multiparty democracy in this country. No one should be intimidated or harmed for expressing their views. The government and all political players must ensure that the rights of every Malawian are protected,” he said.
As pressure mounts on the authorities to act, many are watching closely to see whether justice will be served — and whether Malawi can uphold the democratic ideals it has long fought to protect.
